Rule Britannia: Five 'Best of British' shares to invest in - from high fashion to manufacturing

Nothing says Britishness like a Royal Family event, but there are also some top shares that could give your investment portfolio a taste of the best of Blighty.

The Queen marks one of her two birthdays this week, culminating in the Trooping the Colour military parade on Saturday to mark her 88th.

But there is more to Britain than just the crown jewels and many British companies have developed world-renowned products that have been used for decades.. To that end, Helal Miah, investment research analyst at The Share Centre has picked his five 'Best of British' stocks.

Troops: The Queen has her actual birthday on 21 April and another in June

The manufacturing and production dominance of Britain has been consigned to history with many big companies moving to emerging markets where products can be made cheaper.

This has led to claims that Britain just doesn't make anything anymore. But many British brands are still going strong both at home and abroad.

Burberry

Established in 1856, iconic British luxury brand, Burberry sells a selection of clothing, accessories, beauty, fragrance and homeware products.

The luxury goods market has been going through tougher times lately, impacted by China, and investors will be looking to see how new chief executive, Christopher Bailey, is taking the company forward.

Mr Miah says: 'Investors should note that Burberry has changed its strategy, becoming less reliant on discounts at department stores in favour of fully priced merchandise; the idea being to improve the exclusivity of the Burberry brand.

'Alongside this, the group’s online offering and social media presence is improving brand awareness amongst younger tech savvy consumers. Investors will acknowledge that recent trading updates have shown that so far this seems to be step in the right direction.'

Mulberry

Yield: 0.69 per cent

The core of the Mulberry business is the design, manufacture and retailing of primarily ladies handbags aimed at the luxury market.

A core selling point of the brand is its heritage of "English craftsmanship” and that the products are made at the firm’s factory in Somerset.

Mr Miah explains: 'With a host of new store openings in key locations, the retail operations have experienced good growth rates in the last year.

However, as the company experiences tougher times, the new management are looking to take a more measured approach to new store openings, in the hope of allowing existing stores to gain more traction and control costs.

'The shares in recent months have shown some stability following a tough couple of years for the business. Investors should be reassured that the company is still pursuing international expansion and has reassessed its strategy by also introducing slightly more affordable ranges.'

BP

Yield: 4.68 per cent

British multinational oil and gas BP, is one of the six oil and gas ‘super majors’ in the world.

The group has made good progress in transforming itself from the company it was prior to the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

It is still in the process of restructuring its portfolio, selling off low returning assets and investing more in those which have higher growth opportunities.

Mr Miah says: '2013 was a fairly disappointing year for the sector with most of the oil majors suffering from weak refining conditions and a small decline in average energy prices. However, investors should note that BP still remains on the recovery path as production is set to increase and its Russian venture brings good potential for the future.'

Rolls Royce

Yield: 2.06 per cent

Rolls Royce, might be renowned for its luxury British cars but that part of the famous brand is nowadays owned by BMW. It went its separate way many years ago from the UK firm you can invest in, which is a global leader in manufacturing aero-engines for both the civil and defence markets.

Mr Miah says: 'The group has been doing extremely well in recent times. Not only with initial sales of engines and drive systems, but also with after sales contracts for repairs and maintenance.

'The shares have reflected the strong earnings momentum of recent years. With the recent re-structure, cash inflow, long term service contracts, prospects for its marine division and joint ventures, investors will be pleased to see that growth looks set to improve.'

Marks and Spencer

Yield: 3.76 per cent

Starting as a Penny Bazaar on a stall at Birkenhead open market, Marks & Spencer is now a major British multinational retailer.

Although it has had a tough few years, the group reported quarter four clothing total sales rising by 1.3 per cent and general merchandise total sales up by 0.2 per cent.

Mr Miah says: 'Investors will hope the launch of its affluent ‘Best of British’ collection, which celebrates the UK’s ‘beautiful rich heritage and modern luxury’, will boost their clothing sales further.

'The food division also performed well, considering Easter this year falls outside of its Q4 results. With online and international operations continuing to show good gains, M&S is starting to get results from tackling its problems in womenswear and general merchandise.'